I must admit that I'm not very good about stretching (except after spinning class) after weight training.
It feels good to stretch, but is it phsiologically important? Len Kravitz, Ph.D., co-ordinator of exercise science at the University of New Mexico, say that an important (but not widely known) benefit of stretching is that it "helps realign the muscle proteins within the muscle". This means that stretching allows the muscle to perform at its' peak. This can also help the muscles overall development.
Many yoga masters would also praise the mental benefits of stretching in winding the mind down, help the mind transition down from work or school and to add some peace to your environment.
Workout 12/18: Friday
Bike- 30 minutes
Strength train-triceps/biceps/shoulder
Biceps row- 15 lb ]
triceps extention- 12lb
Straight arm shoulder raise- 5lb
starting block kickback- 1 tube
seated triceps extention- 20 lb
low cable biceps row- 2 tubes
Food Diary 12/18: Friday
Breakfast-
Organic steel cut oats(150 cal.)
1/8 cup blackberries, blueberries (30 cal)
1 apple (67 cal)
A.M. Snack-
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese, 1/8 cup non-fat yogurt ( 105 cal)
1 apple (57 cal)
Lunch-
4 oz Mahi mahi (100 cal)
Salad- 1 cup spinach, 1/2 sweet pepper,11/4 cup yellow squash, 1/8 cup cucumber, 2 tbls black beans (100 cal)
P.M. Snack-
Homemade popcorn (90 cal)
8 almonds (80 cal)
Dinner-
Sushi (300 cal)
1/2 cup brown rice ( 170 cal)
1 cup high fiber cereal (120 cal)
TOTAL CALORIES-1369